Food Sales and Distribution Guidelines
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Newark requires all individuals involved in the handling, preparation, or serving of food to obtain a valid food handler’s permit. As part of the Newark community, NJIT is committed to complying with these local laws and regulations. These guidelines outline the standards for food preparation, sale, and distribution for student organizations, faculty, and staff and aims to ensure that all programs and activities involving food at NJIT are conducted in compliance with local health regulations1 2.
II. SCOPE
These guidelines apply to all NJIT students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and departments engaging in food/beverage sales, catering, or distribution at on-campus events or programs (“On-Campus Events”).
III. KEY DEFINITIONS
1. Food Handler’s Certification: A certification, such as ServSafe, verifying that an individual has been trained in food safety practices.
2. Gourmet Dining (“GD”): The official on-campus food service provider at NJIT. All On-Campus Events must first request catering services from this provider before seeking external vendors.
3. Homemade Food Items: Foods prepared in non-commercial kitchens, which are prohibited from sale or distribution at On-Campus Events.
4. Prepackaged Foods: Commercially sealed, shelf-stable items that do not require refrigeration or temperature control.
5. Off-Campus Vendor: Any licensed food provider outside of Gourmet Dining. Approval from Gourmet Dining is required for their use.
6. On-Campus Events: Any event held at NJIT, including meetings, programs, information sessions, conferences, presentations, functions, receptions, tabling activities, and similar gatherings where food is served, catered, or distributed.
IV. POLICY GUIDELINES
1. Gourmet Dining: Gourmet Dining must be contacted for all catering needs. If unable to cater, off-campus vendors may be approved, provided they have valid permits and licenses.
2. Food Handler’s Certification: On-Campus Events involving the preparation, sale, or distribution of unpackaged foods/beverages require at least one certified individual present to oversee food safety. Proof of certification must be provided during event registration.
3. Labeling: All food must display clear ingredient labels to inform participants of allergens and dietary restrictions.
4. Permitted and Prohibited Foods
a. Permitted Foods:
i. Commercially prepackaged, shelf-stable food items (e.g., packaged cookies, candy bars) and beverages may be sold or distributed without a Food Handler’s Certification.
ii. All other foods for sale or distribution must come from appropriately licensed vendors and comply with these guidelines.
b. Prohibited Foods:
i. Any items labeled “not for resale” are prohibited from being sold.
ii. Homemade foods, including baked goods and potluck-style contributions, are prohibited, regardless of whether individuals possess a Food Handler’s Certification.
V. EVENT PLANNING AND APPROVAL
1. Contact Gourmet Dining: Contact Gourmet Dining to confirm catering options or obtain approval for off-campus vendors.
2. Submit Event Request
a. Students & Student Organizations: Submit event proposals through Highlander Hub no less than two (2) weeks in advance. If food is prepared by a non-GD vendor, include proof of vendor licensing, GD approval, permits, and copies of a valid Food Handler’s Certification, along with a copy of the proposed contract for the services (if applicable).
b. Faculty, Staff & Non-Affiliates: Contact Conference Services to request space. If food is prepared by a non-GD vendor, include proof of vendor
licensing, GD approval, permits, and copies of a valid Food Handler’s Certification.
VI. COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT
Event organizers must ensure that all food handling and distribution adhere to local health and safety regulations. This includes verifying that off-campus vendors maintain proper sanitary practices and that all food is stored and served safely. Additionally, organizers must confirm that required permits, licenses, and certifications are secured and that food safety protocols are strictly followed. Failure to comply with these standards may result in event cancelation or other administrative actions.
VII. CONTACT INFORMATION
For additional information, please visit the Food Sales and Distribution policy page available online at www.njit.edu/foodsales or contact Newark’s Food and Drug Bureau at (973) 733-3734 or online https://www.newarknj.gov/card/food-and-drug-bureau.
Students & Student Organizations with questions should contact the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership at osil@njit.edu or (973) 596-3694. Residence Life staff and groups affiliated with Residence Life can email reslife@njit.edu or call (973)-596-5347. Faculty and Staff with questions should contact Human Resources at hr@njit.edu or call (973) 596-3140.
1 New Jersey Department of Health Cottage Food Law Guidelines available at
https://www.nj.gov/health/cottagefood/
2 City of Newark - Food Handler’s Permit https://www.newarknj.gov/card/food-handlers-permit